The feast of St. Joseph is celebrated on March 19th because, according to the Christian Bible, it is the birth date of St. Joseph, the husband of Mary and the earthly father of Jesus. The feast of St. Joseph honors all fathers.
Because St. Joseph's Day traditionally falls during the fasting season of Lent that precedes Easter, the feast for St. Joseph's Day is done without meat. St. Joseph Tables, tavole di San Giuseppe, which are set in both the church and homes and blessed to honor St. Joseph, are filled with beautiful and often elaborate foods, including meatless dishes such as stuffed artichokes, pasta and fish, as well as breads, cookies, pastries, cakes and other delicacies.
St. Joseph is the patron of workers and those in need of work. Prayers for the unemployed are often included in the traditions of March 19th celebrations. It is also believed by many that the burying in the yard of a small figurine of St. Joseph will help the sale of a home. In this difficult real estate sales environment, shops that sell St. Joseph figurines are doing a brisk business.
At Veniero's, we celebrate the Feast of St. Joseph by making two delicious, traditional St. Joseph pastry specialties:
Sfingi Di San Giuseppe - lightly fried beignet dough filled with fresh ricotta, topped with dried cherries, orange rind and diced green almonds, finished with a sprinkle of powered sugar and cinnamon powder (Pick-up and local delivery only)
Zeppole - lightly fried beignet dough filled with custard cream and sour cherries, topped with sour cherries, powdered sugar and cinnamon powder (also available without sour cherries in the custard cream) (Pick-up and local delivery only)
